Sharks winger Valentine Holmes says he would ‘slap some sense’ into Andrew Fifita if he considers quitting NRL
HULKING Sharks forward Andrew Fifita is not the kind of guy you want to pick a fight with, especially if you’re a winger.
But Cronulla teammate Valentine Holmes is ready to go toe to toe with him if reports that the 118kg prop is seriously considering walking away from the NRL after his Kangaroos snubbing are true.
“I’d probably slap some sense into him,” Holmes said.
And Fifita would get the same dose of tough love from club captain Paul Gallen after rumblings emerged linking the controversial prop with a switch to the rugby union.
“He’s a bit shattered and I’m sure players like (Paul Gallen) will be supporting him and talking about not doing something silly like quitting and to pull his head in.
“You can’t throw away such a talent in the game and everyone loves watching play. He won’t do that (quit) it’s so silly if he does.”
Fifita’s role in helping the Sharks secure their first title in the club’s history is undeniable and according to Holmes he was the best on field during the grand final.
The NSW Blues forward was destructive, churning out 191 metres, breaking a massive 11 tackle busts and of course, scoring the try that would seal victory but remarkably was overlooked as Clive Churchill Medallist.
Holmes says the disappointment of missing out the Churchill Medal and then being ruled ineligible for Kangaroos selection for disciplinary reasons would have only compounded Fifita’s disappointment.
NRL boss Todd Greenberg revealed that Fifita was not considered for Kangaroos selection the running for the Clive Churchill Medal.
Greenberg said Fifita wasn’t considered for a green and gold jumper because of his history of poor behaviour.
“He wouldn’t have handled it well,” Holmes said.
“He can be an emotional person, he’s got feelings … especially after the year he’s had.
“He had a tremendous year and the way he played in the grand final, he was the best person on the field in my eyes.
“He was our leader.”
Holmes knows all too well about the disappointment of missing rep selection for off-field misbehaviour.
The Sharks flyer was banned from Queensland State of Origin selection this year after he and other teammates from the Emerging Maroons squad broke a curfew while in camp.
“I missed out on selection for Queensland … I don’t know if I would have been selected anyway, there are some great wingers going around at the moment,” Holmes said.
“But I really didn’t dwell on it and it didn’t really hit me much. But then to realise you’re not in the frame for selection at all … that really hurt.”
Holmes’ pain is behind him now though, with the young flyer helping Cronulla claim their maiden premiership and then winning selection in the Kangaroos Four Nations squad.
“I just focused on the Sharks and playing good for them,” Holmes said.
“Lucky enough we got the premiership and they (Kangaroos selectors) thought I was playing well enough to get picked to play for my country.
“I’m stoked about being selected.”